****Live from the Grand Princess****

[T&J]

Hi Tony, have a wonderful day in Naples. I have been reading your live from posts for some time now and have been thoroughly enjoying them. Keep up the great work. Look forward to reading more.

 

glad you are enjoying them...keep on reading!

 

Tony and Javier

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[arlenemilt]

I haven't made any plans yet Arlene except my plane ticket is booked on points but I am sure I could get my friend in Aeroplan to change it for me no problem with some advance warning if you wanted to see Suzie as well.

 

Tony

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You figure it out; I'm going shopping. :) Too bad about the jewelers. Those Italians need their siestas because they eat too much pasta and drink too much wine at lunch. :D

 

Arlene

[T&J]

We'll what a day today....Another world wind tour!

We left the ship just shortly after 8:00am and went and took a local bus #2 to Porto Margellino area where the Hertz rent-a-car location is located about 5 minutes by bus.

 

Got there and they didn't have a reservation for us although I did show them my reservation for today and for August 31st when we are back. That took about 10 minutes to sort out and back and forth back and forth calling to another location to see if we could return the car there since this location would closed after 12 noon.

 

We finally got on our way and took the Autostrade A3 to Sorrento-Salerno and then took the scenic route (blue signs instead of green for autostrade) to Pompei. the drive to Pompei took all of 25 minutes but drove like a mad man in Naples...so I just blended in with traffic. In Naples a red light is only a "suggestion"...I laughed so hard when Francesco the Maitre'D told us that last night while visiting our table....and it is true!

 

We finally got to Pompei and parked the car in a parking lot for 4 euros (no street parking allowed) and got our entrance tickets 11.00 eruos each. Princess was charging $169.00 per person to do the same excursion as we did by car for the whole day.

 

We explored a lot of Pompei however it sits on 47 hectars of land which is impossible to see all if only certain sections because a lot is still under excavation. The weather in Pompei was perfect with overcast skies and strong winds which started to clear away around 12:00pm when we left. We spent 2.5 hours at Pompei and then drove to Sorrento along the coastline and up the narrow roads in the hills.

 

I would suggest taking the coastal roads into Sorrento, Amalfi or Positano and not the Autostrade as you see a lot more of the coastline. Traffic can be very bad as it was at one point entering Sorrento. We ended in a grocery store where we bought water for back on the ship, biscotti (for my Princess coffee) and Limencello di Sorrento (where limoncello was created). We are going to chill it and put it on ice overnight and probably drink a lot of it tomorrow afternoon on our balcony as we are at sea all day tomorrow. We also bought some Perugina chocolates (are too die for) as well for gifts back home.

 

We took the Autostrade to come back to the port and dropped off Sharon at the main square outside the ships berth as she wanted to walk around and possibly shop.

 

Javier and I returned the car back to Hertz and gas up the car and walked back. It is very hot here in Naples currently as a sign said 96F and I believe it. Carnival Liberty is parked right beside us today so the pier is crazy here as well.

 

I am going now to the gym to get an early work out in and then going for Dinner at 7:30 or 8:00pm ...haven't decided yet (menu tonight is French) and then MUTS possibly and the "office" as well. We all plan on having a late night since tomorrow is a sea day and day of rest and we can sleep in until 8:00am if our Champagne Balcony Breakfast is truly delivered!

 

More to follow later tonight from the Grand Princess.

 

Tony and Javier

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[T&J]

You figure it out; I'm going shopping. :) Too bad about the jewelers. Those Italians need their siestas because they eat too much pasta and drink too much wine at lunch. :D

 

Arlene

 

We'll they sure know how too live but not how to drive!

 

Tony and Javier

:cool: :eek: :cool:

[Sandy R]

Tony... your day in along the Amalfi Coast brings back memories of last year's cruise. Our private guide took us for lunch, to the most amazing hilltop restaurant in Ravello. Nothing was served us that wasn't home grown. And, the limoncello was the best. Wish we had brought some home cause you can't get it here in SoCal.

 

Wished we had had the courage to rent a car there but our private guide was eons better than the ship's tour! We are renting a car during our Kodiak stop on our upcoming cruise... not as adventuresome as driving the Amalfi Coast but if we spot a bear, it will be exciting!

 

Hey, what's your secret to getting a window table in the dining room. We have over 300 days traveled with Princess (I know that doesn't come close to your count) but so far, no one has ever called us to say they have reserved a nice window table for us.

 

Can't wait to read your next installment...

 

Sandy

[T&J]

Tony... your day in along the Amalfi Coast brings back memories of last year's cruise. Our private guide took us for lunch, to the most amazing hilltop restaurant in Ravello. Nothing was served us that wasn't home grown. And, the limoncello was the best. Wish we had brought some home cause you can't get it here in SoCal.

 

Wished we had had the courage to rent a car there but our private guide was eons better than the ship's tour! We are renting a car during our Kodiak stop on our upcoming cruise... not as adventuresome as driving the Amalfi Coast but if we spot a bear, it will be exciting!

 

Hey, what's your secret to getting a window table in the dining room. We have over 300 days traveled with Princess (I know that doesn't come close to your count) but so far, no one has ever called us to say they have reserved a nice window table for us.

 

Can't wait to read your next installment...

 

Sandy

 

Sandy...just speak to the Maitre'D on embarkation day regarding your seating and simply ask for a ncie table by the window. For me it's a little different circumstances but still they will be glad to try and accomodate you I am sure if they can!

 

Yes, the Amalfi coast is stunning and the Limoncello taht we bought we would be hard pressed to find at home as well. Will be nice to sip some of it on a nice hot and sunny day at sea.

 

Tony and Javier

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[T&J]

Just came back from teh gym and surprisingly again it wasn't packed at all. going to shower now and then head up for dinner. Even the internet cafe and the Library are pretty much dead as well???? Might even bring one of our bottles of white that we bought in Tuscany the other day at Casa della Madonna.

 

More to follow later tonight from the Grand Princess.

 

Tony and Javier

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[LILynn]

Wow - It sounds like you had another great day. We have a driver lined up for Naples and I am sure that it will be a highlight of our trip. I hate driving where I live - just outside of NYC so there is no way I would even attempt driving in Italy. See ... that is why I wanted you to stay on for our cruise :)

 

Make sure you drink all your wine you have been buying on the ship - you won't be able to get it home unless you are willing to pack it in your checked luggage after what happened this week.

 

Enjoy your day at sea and again thanks for posting - I feel like I am already there!

 

Lynn

[T&J]

Wow - It sounds like you had another great day. We have a driver lined up for Naples and I am sure that it will be a highlight of our trip. I hate driving where I live - just outside of NYC so there is no way I would even attempt driving in Italy. See ... that is why I wanted you to stay on for our cruise :)

 

Make sure you drink all your wine you have been buying on the ship - you won't be able to get it home unless you are willing to pack it in your checked luggage after what happened this week.

 

Enjoy your day at sea and again thanks for posting - I feel like I am already there!

 

Lynn

 

No problem for us drinking all that wine...won't be any left to pack at the rate we are going! I believe it only applies to London flights heading to the USA. We are flying Rome-Toronto on Sept 1st and I am hoping that flight is not part of this enhanced security measures.

 

Naples is a beautifull city as well, however very pushy people in taxis, shops and restaurants that can try and take advantage of you...just be pushy back at them and they will respect you more believe it or not.

 

Tony

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[T&J]

Just came back from another great dinner tonight...boy eating at 8:00pm and leaving at 10:30pm each and every night. Franco our head waiter has been preparing special orders for appetizers each night. Tonight it was boccocinno cheese with fresh basil and tomatoes. I then had teh escargot, french onion soup and the pork as my main dish. I had sebayon ice cream and the apple tartin with calvedos and coffee. We all have left the Dinning Room stuffed like a hog.

 

Tomorrow night is our fisrt Formal Night and they are having the Candlelight menu being served.

 

Tomorrow we are at sea...thank god we could use a restfull and quiet lazy day as it has been nonstop and go go go for five days now.

 

Amazingly the ship is always dead at night and it is only 11:05pm...even the casino looks to be dead as I just passed by it to come down and write this on Deck 5 in the Library.

 

Let's see if the Champagne Balcony Breakfast arrives tomorrow at 8:00am as planned? Tonight we have to advance our clocks by one hour ahead to adjust for our time in Mykonos in two days time.

 

More to follow tomorrow morning from the Grand Princess.

 

Tony and Javier

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[ladysail2]

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that your Champagne Breakfast is served to you. It sounds so divine! I would love to try it....but alas, am travelling solo....it might look strange....

I will try to find out if Canada has changed it's 'carry on baggage' policy for you. Are you flying Air Canada?

Please tell me what the Candlelight menu is...that sounds nice.

Enjoy the rest of your evening!

[T&J]

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that your Champagne Breakfast is served to you. It sounds so divine! I would love to try it....but alas, am travelling solo....it might look strange....

 

I will try to find out if Canada has changed it's 'carry on baggage' policy for you. Are you flying Air Canada?

 

Please tell me what the Candlelight menu is...that sounds nice.

 

Enjoy the rest of your evening!

 

Yes we are flying Air Canada from Rome to Toronto on stand-by because our friend works for AC and if not we are flying from Rome to Frankfurt on Lufthansa and Air Canada from Frankfurt to Montreal as a second alternative. Hopefully those two airports do not have this in place by the time Sept 1st rolls around!

 

Candelight menu isn't anything that special from what I can remember come to think of it I just looked at it one hour ago and can't remember...Oh well you'll just have to wait 24 hours until I eat and report back to HQ!

 

Tony and Javier

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[kruisey]

No problem for us drinking all that wine...won't be any left to pack at the rate we are going! I believe it only applies to London flights heading to the USA. We are flying Rome-Toronto on Sept 1st and I am hoping that flight is not part of this enhanced security measures.

 

Naples is a beautifull city as well, however very pushy people in taxis, shops and restaurants that can try and take advantage of you...just be pushy back at them and they will respect you more believe it or not.

 

Tony

:cool: :eek: :cool:

No liquid's allowed in hand luggage,but laptops and electric products are allowed ...Canadian Rulings.

[cactusrose]

Dee I am so glad we did it instead of them wanting to do Florence or Pisa...amazing drive and scenery and I would recommend it again to anyone. In fact when we are all on the Royal next year in the Med in November we should get a group of us together and do it.

 

I hope things settle down by the time we fly out on Sept 1st from Rome Airport.

 

Tony and Javier

:cool: :eek: :cool:

 

Oooh. . .keep me and Wally in mind for that group. We spent some time in Tuscany on a land trip and loved it. Florence is also amazing, but too much to see in too little time. Although I wouldn't mind seeing David again. What a wonder that sculpture is.

[T&J]

Oooh. . .keep me and Wally in mind for that group. We spent some time in Tuscany on a land trip and loved it. Florence is also amazing, but too much to see in too little time. Although I wouldn't mind seeing David again. What a wonder that sculpture is.

 

OK Stacey will keep both of you in mind for that Royal cruise and we should geta group together for that day in Livorno.

 

Tony

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[T&J]

Finally a day of rest! We'll knock knock knock at 7:55am this morning and our Champagne Balcony Breakfast arrived as they said....can't really believe it! Must be my lucky day...hmmm should I go to the "office"?

 

I woke Javier up after the room service waiter delivered all that food and I mean all that FOOD! There is food 50 on our balcony right now. They delivered a coffee pot, orange juice (not fresh squeezed :mad: ), an upgraded pastry plate filled with miniature muffins, danishes, croissants and sweet breads. We also had two half cantaloupes carved out the centres and filled withy blueberries, raspberries and big blackberries. There was also a seperate plate of smoked salmon for each of us with capers and cream cheese and toasted bagels. There warm plate was a crab quiche with bechamel sauce in an oversized tomoato gratinee with a mescalun salad. Last but not least, a half bottle of chilled Moet & Chandon Champagne in a nice ice bucket (which we will now use for our Limoncello!).

 

The amount fo food that comes along with this breakfast is way too much for two people and certainly a value at $25.00.

Now I can't wait for my Balcony Dinner to arrive some night as well!...Who knows stay tuned!

 

This morning is very sunny and warm already at 9:20am. A light breeze from the West and a projected high of 86F for today. We were speeding along last night and now we seem to have slowed down somewhat.

 

It is very quiet this morning thus far on the ship as I imagine a lot of people are sleeping in for sure. Speaking of sleeping in; Javier has gone back to bed after gorging himself on that breakfast. Sharon and him stayed out very late last night in Skywalkers util 3:00am. Me the "old fart" went to bed shortly after 1:00am last night! They should have stayed up until 4:00am when the Captain told us we would be pasing thru the Straights of Messina!:rolleyes:

 

On today's agenda: ....NOT MUCH! Going to lie out in the sun a little, perhaps fall asleep by the Terrace Pool by the AFT later this afternoon and maybe catch in a movie on the M.U.T.S. and make a trip to the "office" this afternoon.

 

Topnight is our first Formal night on the ship...YUK! (just my personal preference).

 

More to follow later today from the Grand Princess at Sea in the Med somewhere!

 

Tony and Javier

[T&J]

No liquid's allowed in hand luggage,but laptops and electric products are allowed ...Canadian Rulings.

 

Thanks for the info Kruisey...I hope these ar lifted in Rome when we leave on September 1st!

 

Tony and Javier

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[T&J]

Just came back from the Horizon Court for Senor Poncho's Mexican buffet luncheon....was not bad at all...great hangover food so there timing couldn't of been any better! We had chimichangas, mexican rice, refried beans and a mescalun salad w/ blue cheese (low fat dressing). I had tapioca pudding for dessert and I am stuffed again. Can't believe taht we actually just ate again after that Champagne Breakfast this morning.

 

While we ate bu the Terrace Pool for lunch I noticed just how crowded a Grand Class ship can be...epecially at sea. WOW haven't sone this size in a while and when you are at sea you really feel those 2700 pax's. The kids today are all wound up and running all over the place with energy too burn from what I can see. Suggestion= lace the chocolate chip cookies today with riddlin or niquil!...little buggers!

 

We'll going to have an afternoon "siesta" since we are in the Med and we should acclamate to thier customs.:o

 

Will be going to the office later this afternoon and then Javier wants to go to the "Friends of Dorothy's" gathering at the Oasis Bar Deck 16 AFT at 5:00pm for a drinky poo!

 

Captain Welcome Cocktail reception is in the Atrium this evening between 5:45 and 8:30pm on Decks 5, 6 and 7...I doubt if we will be attending it.

 

Dinner will be at 8:00pm tonight for us.

 

More to follow later today from the Grand "crowded" Princess.:rolleyes:

 

Tony and Javier

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[arlenemilt]

Just came back from the Horizon Court

 

. The kids today are all wound up and running all over the place with energy too burn from what I can see. Suggestion= lace the chocolate chip cookies today with riddlin or niquil!...little buggers!

 

 

Will be going to the office later this afternoon and then Javier wants to go to the "Friends of Dorothy's" gathering at the Oasis Bar Deck 16 AFT at 5:00pm for a drinky poo!

 

Captain Welcome Cocktail reception is in the Atrium this evening between 5:45 and 8:30pm on Decks 5, 6 and 7...I doubt if we will be attending it.

 

Dinner will be at 8:00pm tonight for us.

 

 

Tony and Javier

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Eat, drink, drink, eat.........YIKES!

The kids don't need Ritalin, they need supervision. I'm always amazed how parents can let their children run loose on a ship.

You have quite a schedule planned for today. Dorothy = drink, Captain's party = drink, dinner = food and drink. I'm stuffed and hung over just reading this. :)

Arlene

[patlanta]

Enjoying your posts and salivating at the thought of limoncello--gotta go back to the beautiful Amalfi coast again!

 

Thought I'd mention that if you don't have locks for every opening on your luggage when you put it out on the final night, you can expect a 100% inspection at the airport in Rome. Many cruisers considered lying but then they reconsidered because you never know what a member of the crew or a dockhand might have stashed in an innocent person's luggage. The airport employees were really miffed when they asked how many passengers were on the cruise and we said 2,500. Of course, not everyone was flying out at the same time but it felt like it to them and us. A chuckle was that little old ladies had to explain bottles of liquor in the baggage they intended to check, and, if I'm remembering correctly, if the bottles had been opened, they were confiscated.

 

Y'all enjoy the rest of your cruise.

[High C's]

Eat, drink, drink, eat.........YIKES!

 

The kids don't need Ritalin, they need supervision. I'm always amazed how parents can let their children run loose on a ship.

 

You have quite a schedule planned for today. Dorothy = drink, Captain's party = drink, dinner = food and drink. I'm stuffed and hung over just reading this. :)

 

Arlene

 

Supervision - now there's an idea!!!:eek: I couldn't agree with you more, Arlene.

[T&J]

Eat, drink, drink, eat.........YIKES!

 

The kids don't need Ritalin, they need supervision. I'm always amazed how parents can let their children run loose on a ship.

 

You have quite a schedule planned for today. Dorothy = drink, Captain's party = drink, dinner = food and drink. I'm stuffed and hung over just reading this. :)

 

Arlene

 

Update on drinking...Went to the Frinds of Dorothy's and we were the only two there...we'll there that attended anyways as there is plenty of "family" onboard. Oh we'll they agve us a bottle of Champagne so now two full bottles in our fridge and the half bottle from this mornings Champagne Breakfast! Things happen in three's so what's next?

 

Tony

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[T&J]

Enjoying your posts and salivating at the thought of limoncello--gotta go back to the beautiful Amalfi coast again!

 

Thought I'd mention that if you don't have locks for every opening on your luggage when you put it out on the final night, you can expect a 100% inspection at the airport in Rome. Many cruisers considered lying but then they reconsidered because you never know what a member of the crew or a dockhand might have stashed in an innocent person's luggage. The airport employees were really miffed when they asked how many passengers were on the cruise and we said 2,500. Of course, not everyone was flying out at the same time but it felt like it to them and us. A chuckle was that little old ladies had to explain bottles of liquor in the baggage they intended to check, and, if I'm remembering correctly, if the bottles had been opened, they were confiscated.

 

Y'all enjoy the rest of your cruise.

 

Thanks for the hot tip...although we odn't plan on bringing back any empties!:o :p :o

 

Tony and Javier

[T&J]

Supervision - now there's an idea!!!:eek: I couldn't agree with you more' date=' Arlene.[/quote']

 

I am always amazed at what parents these days allow there kids to get away with...If I would have tried to pull 10% of what I see that goes on ship when I was a kid my ass would have been so red i wouldn't have been able to sit for twelve days! IMHO, I am disgusted when I see kids that talk back to there parents in a disrespectfull tone or even swear openly in public to them....just friggin' amazing and it goes on a lot on this ship in the past 6 days.

 

Tony and Javier

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[T&J]

OK, going to shower now and get ready for dinner. I am actually hungry for a change before dinner...might just attack that plate of canapes in the room that was delivered a short while ago!

 

More to follow later tonight from the Grand Princess.

 

Tony and Javier

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